With most K-pop groups, it is not uncommon for a company to push one member as the face of their group. Usually, that said member gets more solo activities, more lines, or more center and screen time. However, not all groups are like that. Here are eight groups where all the members are on (roughly) equal levels of popularity.
1. SHINee
The first group that most would think of is SHINee. After all, each member was able to pursue solo activities that made not only them as individuals famous but SHINee as well. Onew is well-loved for his vocal abilities as well as a musical actor. Jonghyun is known for being the group's main vocal, his extraordinary vocal prowess, and for being a top-tier writer and composer. Key is known for his variety skills and for being an actor. Minho gained fame for his visuals, his sense of humor, and his acting. Lastly, Taemin is famous as a soloist and a member of SuperM. With each member solidifying their careers in the industry, they all gained roughly equal levels of popularity.
2. TXT
Being Big Hit Entertainment's first group since BTS's debut in 2013, TXT as a whole gained much attention rather than one member. Initially, Huening Kai gained the most attention due to him being the label's first mixed-race idol. Still, as soon as they debuted and each member had a chance to show their abilities, they each gained sizable fan bases, and the TXT fan base (also known as MOA) grew with it.
If people had to select a most popular member, it would likely be Yeonjun as his fancams tend to get slightly more views. Still, not by much. The members roughly get similar amounts of views on their videos and live streams, showing how equal their popularity is.
3. ITZY
Dubbed as "monster rookies," each member of ITZY are on similar levels of popularity. Initially, members Chaeryeong, Ryujin, and Yeji had an edge as they had appeared in programs before their debut. However, once all five members of the group made their debut, each member caught the eyes of the block and are now on even footing. Even member Lia, who did not appear on shows before her debut, is as popular as her other members!
4. GFRIEND
With all members going viral at different points in their careers, each member is on similar levels of popularity. Some say during their early years, member Umji received less popularity due to the backlash over her visuals. Still, as she matured and blossomed into a fine young lady, her popularity has risen immensely. Now, they are all on equal leveling.
5. BLACKPINK
All four BLACKPINK members have equal popularity, especially in South Korea, where all the girls are praised for their talents and visuals. While Jennie may have an edge since she debuted as a soloist, the other girls don't lag behind, attending fashion shows and modeling for numerous brands.
6. BTS
With BTS's global popularity as a group, it appears people are more invested in getting into them as a unit rather than individually, which is excellent! There is not one member that overshadows the other, meaning everyone has the same chance to shine. Members Jimin, Jungkook, and V tend to get popularity for their stunning visuals, while J-Hope and Jin get praise for their humor and bright energy. RM and Suga are well-known for their producing and rapping skills, and RM gets that little extra boost for being the group's representative English speaker.
7. Red Velvet
Though each member has branched out to do their own thing, the levels of popularity are not that big. Each member has a sizable solo fan base, is highly in demand to appear in television shows or become the face of a brand, and each member is well-known to the public. If you hear Red Velvet, you are likely to remember each member rather than focus on one specific girl.
8. TWICE
Though some members have had solo activities here and then, most of their activities are as a group. Even if not all nine members can appear on a variety show together, the company will usually send two or three members as a representative rather than just one. Because of that, people who try to get into TWICE end up falling for them as a group, meaning all nine members get the love. Though a fan may have their favorite, ONCEs say it's almost impossible to be a solo stan due to the member's lack of solo activities.
